Spaniard Climbs La Rambla (5.15a)

Spain’s Edu Marin has nabbed the second ascent of the original La Rambla (5.15a), right under the noses of several of the world’s best sport climbers, who also have been trying the route. Marin completed the endurance testpiece at Siurana, Spain, on November 30. As reported on Dave Graham’s Pro Blog, Graham, Dani Andrada, and Chris Sharma have all been working on the line, with Sharma apparently the closest.

Alex Huber first climbed La Rambla (5.14c) in 1994 to an anchor below its originally intended finish. In 2003, Ramón Julián completed the original line and suggested a grade of 5.15a for the 40-meter, 17-bolt route.

Marin, 21, has been on fire this year, sending two 5.14+ routes, Estado Crítico and A muerte (5.14c/d), as well as winning a World Cup comp in France and both lead climbing and bouldering championships in Spain.